The Picture of Dorian Gray

Originally condemned as morally corrupt, Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is now recognized as a modern literary classic. The story of Dorian Gray, whose portrait grows old while its subject remains young, has been the basis for numerous television, film, and musical adaptations. Well known for its exploration of hedonism, the book also gives an early glimpse of Wilde's interest in Catholicism. The Picture of Dorian Gray story was first published in a monthly literary magazine and then revised and expanded for publication in book form in 1891. To deal with criticism of the original story, Wilde included a preface stating his aesthetic philosophy. This edition includes both the full twenty chapters and the preface.